CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A man left two small children in the backseat of his car when he ran from Cleveland police during a traffic stop.

The incident happened about 2 a.m. Saturday on the 9900 block of Nicholas Avenue. The children, 1 and 8 years old, were taken to the Cuyahoga County social service center. The Division of Children and Family Services has contacted the family and will determine who will take custody of the children, a police spokeswoman said.

The unlicensed driver told police that his two children could be dropped off at a nearby home. The driver ran when police went to speak with the homeowner, who denied knowing the man, Det. Jennifer Ciaccia said.

Investigators have not confirmed if the driver is the biological father. Police accuse him of endangering children. A warrant for his arrest is pending, Ciaccia said.

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